In 1974, Brush was also captain of nearby Cumberland School, who became joint-holders of the English Schools Football Association U16 Cup, while Poplar Boys reached a final of their own on a night of destiny for the youngster.
“Winning at the Boleyn Ground, Ronnie Boyce presented our trophies,” continues Paul. “Ron Greenwood, who’d watched from the stands then invited some parents into the Manager’s office, where he offered apprentice terms, while we all waited downstairs. Fortunately, alongside ‘Curbs’, I was one of eight lads taken on that summer.
“Arriving for pre-season training, a very confident Scouser – Alvin Martin (!) – was on trial, while Geoff Pike was in the year above us. We’d a good squad of youth players and, back then, had opportunities to train on the same pitch as the seniors.
“We could see it was possible to progress if we stayed focused and, with Curbs being named on the bench just a few games into 1974/75, he became a shining example as to how quickly you’d get from apprentice to first team by applying yourself properly.
“With smaller squads in those days, the seniors knew the youth players and there was a really good interaction between everyone. We also got chance to play for the reserves in the Football Combination, which generally kicked-off at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon. Serious affairs, played in the main stadium, the score mattered, while a couple of first-teamers would usually be trying to regain fitness or form.
“Aged 16 or 17, I’d play with and against senior players I’d only watched from the terraces. Coming up against men, we experienced a far more physical side to the game than we see in today’s U21 matches.
“Playing for the reserves down at Plymouth Argyle one night, I’d looked across at Billy Bonds, who was coming back from injury, and thought: ‘Crikey, Bonzo, I’ve got a picture of you on my wall at home!’
“The Youth Team never really steamrolled anyone but we did win games by playing the West Ham way of passing and moving.”